8 Cooking Hacks to Make Meals Quicker

We all love a home-cooked meal, but with busy schedules, who has the time? Here are eight simple cooking hacks to help you save time while still preparing delicious and nutritious meals:

Tip #1: Use Pre-chopped, Pre-washed, Ready-to-eat Produce

• Don’t be afraid to buy pre-chopped, pre-washed, ready-to-eat fresh produce—it can drastically cut down on meal prep time. Spending less time chopping and cutting every vegetable make cooking easier and faster.
  • Common pre-washed/ready-to-eat items:
    • Bagged Lettuce Salad mixes
      • Great for a quick salad—just toss in extra toppings or protein. It saves you from washing, drying, and chopping a head of lettuce. Most mixes include multiple types greens and even radishes for added flavor and texture.
    • Chopped onions and peppers
      • Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. While they may be slightly more expensive than whole vegetables, they’re a great time-saver, especially for recipes where you’ll still need to cook them.

Tip #2: Use Electric Tools and Gadgets

• Using electric tools instead of manual ones can save both time and effort. Even the simplest gadgets can make food prep easier. With a range of options from affordable to high-end, you can easily find the right tools to fit your needs and budget.
  • A few must-haves:
• Electric Can Opener: Opens any can with the press of a button—effortless and automatic.
• Hand-held Garlic Press: Perfect for quickly mincing fresh garlic.
• Food Processor: A lifesaver for making salsas or casseroles. It cuts down the time needed to chop and blend ingredients, like tomatoes for sauces or vegetables for soups.
• Food Chopper: A handheld one can drastically cut down prep time. It’s perfect for quickly chopping vegetables without having to reach for a knife and cutting board. 
• Immersion Blender: Ideal for soups and sauces. Instead of transferring hot ingredients into a traditional blender, use an immersion blender right in the pot. It saves time and minimizes cleanup by avoiding messy transfers between different equipment.

Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Canned Foods

• Canned fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh produce, despite what you might have head. Rinse canned veggies to remove any added salt, or choose “low sodium” or “no salt added” varieties. For canned fruit, opt for options packed in water, 100% juice, or their own juice rather than heavy syrup to avoid extra sugar. Canned items can be a real time-saver without compromising nutrition. For more details regarding canned food, check out this article HERE.
  • Common canned swaps:
    • Artichokes
    • Peaches
    • Corn

Tip # 4: Use Frozen

• Frozen vegetables can be heated quickly in the microwave or the stove top, making them a go-to when you’re pressed for time. Plus, they last longer in the freezer, so you can always have it on hand and quickly heat it up for cooking.
  • Common frozen swaps:
    • Broccoli
    • Spinach
    • Frozen variety of fruit (perfect for smoothies)

Tip #5: Dried Herbs vs Fresh

• Do you dream of that fresh herb garden in your windowsill? Keeping herbs alive year-round can be tough! Plus, fresh herbs in the fridge often go bad before you use them all. Instead, stock up on dried herbs like basil, chives, and parsley. They’re shelf-stable, always on hand, and ready to sprinkle on your dishes—no washing or chopping required!

Tip #6: Buy pre-made sauces or dressings

• Making a homemade sauce from scratch sounds wonderful, but for those with busy schedules, it’s more of a pipe dream. Instead, grab pre-made canned sauces and add your own spices and flavors for a personal touch. It cuts down hours in the kitchen while still giving you the satisfaction of a flavorful meal.
  • Common sauces/dressings swap:
    • Marinara/Spaghetti Sauce
    • Curry
    • Marinade for meat/tofu flavoring

Tip #7: Ready to Eat Pantry Staples

• Some staples, like rice and spaghetti, traditionally take time to cook. But now, you can find ready-to-eat versions that take only a few minutes in the microwave or on the stovetop. These time-savers allow you to focus on adding your personal touch to the rest of your meal

Tip #8: Utilize the Leftovers

• If you are going all out on a meal, why not enjoy it for several days later? You spend all your time preparing and cooking a delicious (hopefully) meal, so make sure that there are plenty of leftovers. This will also cut down on meal prepping for later in the week. For food safety concerns, only keep leftovers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Check out this USDA article HERE for more details on safe leftover storage.

Get Started with Your Next Meal With these 8 tips, you can use to make adjustments that fit your lifestyle and cooking skills. Try one or two tips today and see how much time you save!